Our God Emmanuel with Us. The Fourth Sunday in Advent. Worship: December 18, 2022

We draw closer to the sign we are awaiting---the sign of the Word made flesh, our Emmanuel (God with us).  Long ago the prophet Elijah spoke of this, that God himself would come to be with us. As this promise was being fulfilled we hear the angel tell Joseph to name his new son “Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” This is what we prepare to celebrate: God has come to be with us, and we know his name is Jesus.

This weeks Audio Service is a repost from 12/19/21

Mary, the mother of Jesus is visited by the angel Gabriel who tells her she will give birth to the Savior of all mankind. Maybe the most amazing thing Mary receives is the ability to accept and rejoice in this with composure of soul and peace of mind. She sings, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.” Our Advent prayer is to welcome our Emmanuel, God with us, and sing with Mary her humble song of joy for the glory of God.